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Overview

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A guide to custom programs in Vietnam

Once known to Americans only for the ill-fated war fought there, Vietnam has emerged as a partner in the region and a fascinating nation in which to experience Southeast Asia. From the emerald mountains around Dalat to the driving energy of Hanoi, it is filled with topics you can explore as well as impressive landscapes and powerful lessons in rebirth with custom university travel to Vietnam.

Customize Your Program

Designing Your Custom Program

We believe this kind of learning experience demands a unique travel itinerary, and that’s why we specialize in customized travel programs. Whether its J-term, spring break, May-mester, etc., our program development team, alongside our Global Academic Team, will consult with you to translate your curriculum into a one-of-a-kind learning experience that will deliver the educational outcome you’re looking for. From selecting your destination to identifying interactive experiences that bring your classroom to life, our thematic approach ensures that your goals drive every decision we make together.

A Personal Partner

Once your program is developed, you’ll work directly with an account manager who will be your champion, working directly with our large team of logistical experts, curriculum specialists, and on-the-ground partners. Our long-time university partners see their account managers as an integral part of their own university teams, ensuring that your program is uniquely yours each and every year.

Meet our VP of Program Development

Jennifer Fisher leads a team of WorldStrides’ program development specialists, working directly with new university clients to globalize their curriculum with short-term faculty-led cultural immersion experiences. Jen brings a passion for customized curriculum solutions to this role after more than 20 years working with institutions of higher learning.

To begin customizing your program, give us a call at 1-800-422-2368.

Topics to Explore

In Vietnam, you might choose to explore some of the following topics:

War and its aftermath

Visitors often note the incredible transformation of Vietnam, recovering from the scars of the nearly twenty-year campaign often known here simply as “the American War.” Study the military history, from the lives of the POWs in the Hanoi Hilton to the network of underground tunnels that helped the Viet Cong survive. Consider the health effects of the Agent Orange gas that still plague many survivors, and honor the tens of thousands who died.

Manufacturing

Since the end of the trade embargo in 1994, multinational corporations have flocked to Vietnam. Due to rising labor costs in China, Vietnam is positioning itself as a low-cost alternative. Led by corporations including Samsung, Coca-Cola, and Unilever, FDI exceeded US$16 billion in 2012.

Agriculture

Vietnam is an agricultural powerhouse, employing roughly 54% of the workforce. In 2012, Vietnam became the world’s largest exporter of rice, and is the #2 exporter of coffee. The rise of the global seafood market has also spurred growth, as shrimp, squid, crab, and lobster now account for nearly 10% of total exports.

Destination Overview

Vietnam Now

The transition from centrally planned economy to free market continues to come with growing pains. The Communist Party maintains strict rule over the political system and some criticize the government for focusing more on growth than stability. But despite that criticism, the march of growth has largely continued. As Vietnam rises, many believe the broadest challenge will come from neighbors with cheaper labor who aim to attract some of the good fortune that has enabled Vietnam to become an Asian superstar.

Halong Bay

Vietnam is home to six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Halong Bay and My Son Sanctuary.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the fastest-growing city in Vietnam. Although it takes up just 0.6% of its land area, Ho Chi Minh City accounts for 8.34% of Vietnam's population, 20.2% of its GDP, and more than a third of its FDI.

Vietnam

Per capita GDP in Vietnam has increased from below $100 in 1986 to $1,911 in 2013 -- a nearly 2000% increase!